Abba tribute singer Marianne Murphy made it through to X Factor boot camp after making judge Louis Walsh laugh at her version of ‘Over The Rainbow’

Marianne said: “I had planned to sing Show Me Heaven by Maria McKee but the girl before me sang it.

“I had to make a last-minute switch and sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow. As if it wasn’t nerve-wracking enough.

“It was very intimidating but Louis was laughing the whole way through my song. He told me later it was because he didn’t think I was going to be any good. I suppose that was a compliment!

“Simon told me my vocals were effortless and he, Louis and Sharon Osbourne all said ‘yes’ to me going through.

“Sharon was lovely – she really likes to look after people.

“I was so nervous I barely spoke, although when I ran outside I was so excited I gave presenter Kate Thornton the shock of her life when I lifted her right off her feet.

“I was jumping about like an idiot but it was a fantastic feeling.”

Marianne added:
“It was very emotional, and viewers will probably see me crying a lot.

“It just means so much to me. I am a bit older than many of the other contestants and I have a wee girl.

“I know just what a chance this is and don’t take any of it for granted.

“I have been singing since I was a teenager and I’ve been in T-Junction for the last few years. We do wedding sand her for a while. But she watches the show and corporate events and if I go a week without a gig I feel frustrated. I love singing so much.

“I am a single mum and it can be difficult juggling everything – but I have a great support network behind me.

“My family have always encouraged me to have a go at things. But this is my one shot at making it.

“I had to explain to Lucy what I was doing, and if I did well I might have to be away from her for a while. But she watches the show and is really excited that I am a part of it.”

Viewers will find out in November whether or not Marianne has made it through to the final 12 on X Factor 2006.